The Dodge County News

Dear editor,
The Puerto money pit.
The tiny island nation of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea has been nothing but a drain on United States taxpayers since it was dumped on us from the Spanish after the Spanish-American War. The U.S.A. doesn’t need it for anything, so I say dump it. The place has done nothing but suck money and cause trouble.
The people of Puerto Rico have voted multiple times not to become a United State. They want all the free money and none of the responsibility. They have protested the U.S. Military presence in their “country.”
The Puerto Ricans owe the United States over $75 billion, which they never intend to repay. This loan was used to make life a breeze for the citizens, such as low working hours, overpay and party time in general.
Now, with hurricane damage, the people expect billions more in free U.S. money. To do what? To rebuild an island resort that should be left as God made it – a useless little fishing village.
Why do we keep dumping money into this place? Answer – the Democrats.
Puerto Ricans are allowed to vote, but they don’t pay U.S. tax. Man, what a deal! The country is slopping at the trough of American taxpayers because Democrats are buying their votes with your money.
We fought Britain for our (U.S.) independence, but now we are giving it away to Spain. Of course, the lying communist news media are screaming for tons of taxpayer money to be sent to Puerto Rico.
With the $10 trillion over budget that was wasted during the Obama years, there should have been enough money to just give everyone in Puerto Rico a check for several million dollars of American taxpayer money. Problem is, they would expect the same thing every year and the Democrats would give it to them.
The vote buying with taxpayer money has to stop. This is the only reason that Democrats love illegal aliens, and you are financing the unearned power grab by these communists.
Stan Evans

Dear editor,
I think we’ve all heard that old maxim about “The value of the well-earned dollar and hard work.” Well perhaps, I use that general truth or phrase loosely, given from what I’ve seen in this new millennial generation of youth in this 21st Century America.
For the most part, youth nowadays have the combined IQ of two, and a brain the size of a kumquat, given their vocabulary goes no further than an expletive, invoking another’s mothers name, i.e., “M-F” this and “M-F” that, and the men of this race have this insatiable desire to grab a hold of their crotch while talking to a lady.
To the specific theme of “well earned dollars.” I think some of us forget what hard work can truly mean to us.  What›s the phrase, “money given is a lot sweeter than money earned?” When we work hard for what we have, the paycheck, the house, the car, we place more value on it and take care of it. If something is given to us, though, the respect for it goes out the window.
For example, lets say, and this happens with so many parents nowadays with their kids graduating from college or even high school, the parents just give them a new car, which in today’s inflation rate, was my first home mortgage. That little snot nose wouldn’t do the proper first echelon of maintenance with oil changes, rotating and balancing the tires, proper mileage, tune-ups and cleaning of that car, subsequent in breakdowns, because that little urchin was reckless and careless, could care less.  It was given to him or her, remember?
Then, time and time again, the little darling will go back to mom and dad to have that automobile fixed or replaced. Of course, the buffoons who are mom and dad will cave in and do just as requested. Please note the word, “requested” and not asked!
On the other side, which was my generation, when you ask your mom and dad for a car, and I mean a used one at that, they would, and accordingly, tell you that you need to work for that car and pay for it your own self. No free lunch here buddy!  So, you would spend weekends during the school year doing odd jobs for neighbors and a job during the summer, all the while saving up every penny for that used car. Eventually, I, or my buddies would have enough money to purchase a beat up Buick, or Edsel.   
Because you know all the hard work you put into getting that behemoth of a car (an Edsel), you took very care of it.
Do you see the point I’m trying to make?
When you truly understand the hard work that goes into owning something like a car, or anything for that matter, you put so much more value on it.
I think too many times, this new generation has become more expectant of people around them, and especially the dog gone government since that know nothing of a president, Lyndon Johnson started the third rail of politics. Government gives away money in welfare checks and subsidy housing.  
If this country, and moreover, the American family is going to survive the new millennial, it’s time for people to step up and earn something for themselves. You can’t be reliant on people or government forever.
TSGT. Joseph Bryan, U.S.A.F. Ret.

Dear editor,
It’s Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Shoebox Time! It’s hard to believe that another year has passed by so quickly, but here we are just a few short days away from our 2017 annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection.
For the past ten years, First Baptist Church (FBC) has served as the OCC collection center for our area and, thanks to the support and generosity of so many of you, our total shoebox count has steadily increased each year.
Numbers are important, but this ministry is so much more than just counting boxes. Each gift-filled shoebox represents an opportunity for a child in a faraway place to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s an opportunity for a child suffering from extreme poverty, disease, war, terrorism and loneliness to experience the love of Christ; to receive a gift and know that a complete stranger thought enough to send a shoebox gift.
Two years ago, our responsibility as a collection center changed considerably. Instead of just being a collection center for our local area, Eastman FBC is now the central drop-off location for the South Central Georgia area, and as such, we not only receive the gift-filled boxes from our local community, but we also receive the shoeboxes from Cochran, Hawkinsville, Dublin and Soperton.
Once the OCC trailers are filled with cartons, they are transported directly to the Atlanta Processing Center. The total box count for our collection center last year was 14,560 boxes.
Along with this new responsibility come additional volunteer opportunities. If you’d be interested in donating some time, talents or muscles during collection week, Nov 13-20, 2017, or if you’d just like to learn a little more about Operation Christmas Child, drop by during collection week or give me a call at 478-893-4730. Thank you so much for your past and continued support of this special ministry; a ministry that touches and changes lives, both the receivers’ and the givers’.
Marilynn Sanders

You’ll notice – no Democrat ever supports term limits, border walls, or vetting illegal immigrants. They are all lockstep leftists who regard illegals as pre-Democrats. White voters continue to abandon the Demoleft Party and the Demos seek to replace them with alien invaders.
If one had invested $5,000 in Wal-Mart stock in January 1976 with all dividends reinvested with no additional investment the account would be worth $5,400,000, 30 years later in 2006. If you’d waited until 1981 to invest the $5,000 you’d have over one million dollars today.
Moonbattery.com has a long list of hate hoaxes compiled over the years. I’d like to know if any of the hoaxers were ever punished. Yes, Tawana Brawley is on the list, also Crystal Mangum of Duke Lacrosse Hoax fame. The USA these days is the world’s largest freak show. Whatever became of Sabrina Collins, the Emory University 1990 hate hoaxer who painted racial slurs on her dorm room? She was an early hoaxer, with many following her sorry example. Crystal Mangum is serving a prison sentence for murdering her boyfriend. Big media did a splendid job in covering up the horrible 2007 Knoxville torture-murders of two college students out on a date. I saw it on VDare.com while the national press spiked the story. 
“Poor Trump. The left hates him. The media hate him. The open border enthusiasts hate him. The pro-abortion people hate him. The academagogues hate him. He’s got nobody on his side except the people.”
Barry Farber on WND.com
Barry Farber was a pioneer talk show host.
“Reason obeys itself; and ignorance does whatever is dictated to it.”
Thomas Paine
The new GORE: Gutless Old Republican Establishment.
Bumper sticker of the day: Obamacare Doesn’t Care.
Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann said in 2013 that she had lost her health insurance under Obamacare and her husband was having serious medical problems that required quality insurance. 
She says “Actually, we were just fine before.”
IlanaMercer.com calls The Unz Review (UNZ.com) “America’s smartest webzine.” Check out Unz.com and IlanaMercer.com and see for yourself. James Kirkpatrick and many other great writers are on Unz.com, also VDare.com. Ilana Mercer is one of the finest writers anywhere. I’ve never seen her in a newspaper. Read for yourself and compare.
[Full Story »] 

1007
DEBTORS AND CREDITORS
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NOTICE TO DEBTORS AND CREDITORS
GEORGIA, DODGE COUNTY
All creditors of the Estate of CLYDE BLANKENSHIP, deceased, late of Dodge County, Georgia, are hereby notified to render in their demands to the undersigned according to law and all other persons indebted to said Estate are required to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 27th day of September, 2017.
NELLIE BLANKENSHIP
2687 Chauncey Milan Road
Milan, GA. 31060
Executrix of the Last Will and Testament of CLYDE BLANKENSHIP, Deceased

gpn 07
NOTICE TO DEBTORS AND CREDITORS
STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY OF DODGE
IN RE: ESTATE OF CONNIE WILLIAMSON WOODARD
All creditors of the Estate of CONNIE WILLIAMSON WOODARD are hereby notified to render in their demands to the undersigned in accordance with the law, and all persons indebted to said Estate are required to make immediate payment to me.
This the 6th day of October, 2017.
HUNTER ANDREW MUNDEN
Executor of the Estate of
CONNIE WILLIAMSON
WOODARD, Deceased
HUNTER ANDREW MUNDEN
269 Perry Road
Rochelle, GA 31079

1011
FORECLOSURES
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STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY OF DODGE
NOTICE OF SALE
UNDER POWER
Because of a default under the terms of the Security Deed executed by MARK BROWN and JANICE BROWN to CONSECO FINANCE SERVICING CORP. dated November 24, 1999, and recorded in Deed Book 342, Page 144, Dodge County Records, said Security Deed having been last sold, assigned, transferred and conveyed to WELLS FARGO BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR GREEN TREE 2008-MH1, securing a Note in the original principal amount of $65,000.00, the holder thereof pursuant to said Deed and Note thereby secured has declared the entire amount of said indebtedness due and payable and, pursuant to the power of sale contained in said Deed, will on the FIRST TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017, during the legal hours of sale, before the Courthouse door in said County, sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, the property described in said Deed, to-wit:
ALL THAT CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN LAND LOT 229 OF THE 13TH LAND DISTRICT OF DODGE COUNTY, GEORGIA, WHICH IS KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT 4, JAY BIRD ESTATES, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF SAID SUBDIVISION WHICH IS OF RECORD IN PLAT BOOK 28, PAGE 192, CLERK’S OFFICE, DODGE SUPERIOR COURT.
THE SAID PLAT AND THE RECORD THEREOF ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE FOR ALL PURPOSES.
THIS PROPERTY IS CONVEYED SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS OF RECORD IN DEED BOOK 289, PAGE 48, CLERK’S OFFICE, DODGE SUPERIOR COURT.
Said property is known as 644 JAY BIRD HELENA DIRT ROAD, HELENA, GA 31037, together with all fixtures and personal property attached to and constituting a part of said property, if any.
Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants, and matters of record superior to the Security Deed first set out above.
The proceeds of said sale will be applied to the payment of said indebtedness and all expenses of said sale as provided in said Deed, and the balance, if any, will be distributed as provided by law.
The sale will be conducted subject (1) to confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) to final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the secured creditor.
The property is or may be in the possession of MARK BROWN; JANICE BROWN, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST OR TENANT(S).
WELLS FARGO BANK N.A.,
AS TRUSTEE FOR GREEN TREE 2008MH1
as Attorney-in-Fact for
MARK BROWN and
JANICE BROWN
File no. 17064084
SHAPIRO PENDERGAST & HASTY, LLP*
Attorneys and Counselors at Law
211 Perimeter Center Parkway, N.E.
Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346
770-220-2535/CH
shapiroandhasty.com
*THE LAW FIRM IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

gpn 11
NOTICE OF SALE
UNDER POWER
STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY OF DODGE
Under and by virtue of the power of sale (the “Power of Sale”) contained in that certain Deed to Secure Debt given by ASHLEY W. BURCH to COLONY BANK dated March 14, 2008, recorded in Deed Book 601, Page 286, Clerk’s Office, Dodge County Superior Court (the “Security Deed”) conveying the after-described property, through the open-end provisions therein, to secure that certain Promissory Note (the “Note”) from JAB ENTERPRISES, LLC to COLONY BANK dated August 5, 2016 in the original principal amount of ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-EIGHT THOUSAND NINETY-ONE and 07/100 DOLLARS ($188,091.07) with interest thereon as set forth therein. COLONY BANK being the current holder thereof, there will be a sale at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the courthouse door of Dodge County, Georgia, within the legal hours of sale on the FIRST TUESDAY OF NOVEMBER, 2017, the following described property (the “Property”):
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN LAND LOT NO. 121 IN THE 15TH LAND DISTRICT, DODGE COUNTY, GEORGIA, CONTAINING 2.49 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ACCORDING TO THAT PLAT OF SURVEY PREPARED BY CENTRAL SOUTH SURVEYING, DATED DECEMBER 5, 2007, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 36, PAGE 223, CLERK’S OFFICE, DODGE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT. SAID PLAT AND THE RECORDED COPY THEREOF ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE FOR ALL PURPOSES.
The debts secured by said Security Deed have been and are hereby declared due because of, among other possible events of default, failure to pay the indebtedness as and when due and in the manner provided in the Note and Security Deed. The debt remaining in default, this sale will be made for the purpose of paying same and, additionally, all expenses of this sale, as provided in the Security Deed and by law, including without limitation attorney’s fees (the statutory notice of intent to collect attorney’s fees having been served).
Said Property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes that are a lien, but not yet due and payable); matters that may be disclosed by an accurate survey and/or inspection of the property; assessments, liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants; and matters of record superior to the Security Deed.
Additionally, this sale will be conducted subject to (1) confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) final confirmation and audit of the status of the loans with the holder of the Security Deed.
Notice to the debtor as required by O.C.G.A. 44-14-162.2 has been given. Please note that COLONY BANK, located at the business address of 115 SOUTH GRANT STREET, FITZGERALD, GEORGIA 31750, is the entity that has the full authority to negotiate, amend or modify the terms of the loan documents. COLONY BANK can be contacted through the following representative: MICHAEL N. WHITE, ESQ., JAMES-BATES-BRANNAN-GROOVER LLP, 231 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, MACON, GEORGIA, 31201; TEL: (478) 742-4280.
COLONY BANK
as Attorney-in-Fact for
ASHLEY W. BURCH
MICHAEL N. WHITE, ESQ.
JAMES-BATES-BRANNAN-GROOVER LLP
231 Riverside Drive
P.O. Box 4283
Macon, Georgia 31208-4283
This Law Firm is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

gpn 11
NOTICE OF SALE
UNDER POWER
DODGE COUNTY
Pursuant to the Power of Sale contained in a Security Deed given by VICKIE M GOOCH AKA VICKIE GOOCH AND CLIFTON JARVIS GOOCH to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR FIDELITY MORTGAGE, A DIVISON OF DELTA FUNDING CORPORATION dated 8/17/2006 and recorded in Deed Book 551 Page 268 Dodge County, Georgia records; as last transferred to or acquired by HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 20063, conveying the after-described property to secure a Note in the original principal amount of $51,000.00, with interest at the rate specified therein, there will be sold by the undersigned at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the Courthouse door of DODGE County, Georgia (or such other area as designated by Order of the Superior Court of said county), within the legal hours of sale on NOVEMBER 07, 2017 (BEING THE FIRST TUESDAY of said month unless said date falls on a Federal Holiday, in which case being the first Wednesday of said month), the following described property:
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN THE 20TH LAND DISTRICT OF DODGE COUNTY, GEORGIA AND BEING A PORTION OF LAND LOT 128 IN SAID DISTRICT CONTAINING 0.12 ACRES MORE OR LESS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT A POINT ON THE NORTHEAST LOT LINE OF SAID LOT 128 WHICH POINT IT LOCATED 265 FEET FROM NORTH CORNER OF SAID LOT AND FROM SAID POINT THUS ESTABLISHED RUNS SOUTH 45 DEGREES EAST A DISTANCE OF 11.81 FEET TO A POINT THENCE RUN SOUTH 41 DEGREES 41 MINUTES WEST A DISTANCE OF 146.69 FEET TO A POINT THENCE RUN NORTH 45 DEGREES 18 MINUTES WEST A DISTANCE 115.30 FEET TO A POINT THENCE RUN NORTH 45 DEGREES EAST A DISTANCE OF 30.04 FEET TO A POINT THENCE SOUTH 45 DEGREES EAST A DISTANCE OF 95 FEET TO A POINT THENCE RUN NORTH 45 DEGREES EAST A DISTANCE OF 117 FEET BACK TO A PLACE OF POINT OF BEGINNING.
FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: THE APN IS SHOWN BY THE COUNTY ASSESSOR AS 033 031; SOURCE OF TITLE IS 176611 RECORDED 06/02/1983.
The debt secured by said Security Deed has been and is hereby declared due because of, among other possible events of default, failure to pay the indebtedness as and when due and in the manner provided in the Note and Security Deed. The debt remaining in default, this sale will be made for the purpose of paying the same and all expenses of this sale, as provided in the Security Deed and by law, including attorney’s fees (notice of intent to collect attorney’s fees having been given).
Said property is commonly known as 839 GOOCH RD, EASTMAN, GA 31023 together with all fixtures and personal property attached to and constituting a part of said property, if any.
To the best knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the party (or parties) in possession of the subject property is (are): CLIFTON JARVIS GOOCH AND VICKIE M GOOCH AKA VICKIE GOOCH or tenant or tenants.
OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the entity or individual designated who shall have full authority to negotiate, amend and modify all terms of the mortgage.
OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC
FORECLOSURE LOSS
MITIGATION
1661 WORTHINGTON ROAD
SUITE 100
WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409
1-877-596-8580
Note, however, that such entity or individual is not required by law to negotiate, amend or modify the terms of the loan.
Said property will be sold subject to: (a) any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), (b) unpaid water or sewage bills that constitute a lien against the property whether due and payable or not yet due and payable and which may not be of record, (c) the right of redemption of any taxing authority, (d) any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, and (e) any assessments, liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants, and matters of record superior to the Security Deed first set out above.
The sale will be conducted subject to (1) confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code; and (2) final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the holder of the Security Deed. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 9-13-172.1, which allows for certain procedures regarding the rescission of judicial and non-judicial sales in the State of Georgia, the Deed Under Power and other foreclosure documents may not be provided until final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan as provided immediately above.
HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS
INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME
EQUITY LOAN TRUST 20063
as agent and Attorney in Fact for
VICKIE M GOOCH
AKA VICKIE GOOCH AND
CLIFTON JARVIS GOOCH
ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP
15 Piedmont Center
3575 Piedmont Road, N.E.
Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30305
404-994-7637
1017664263A
THIS LAW FIRM MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. 1017-664263A

1014
MISCELLANEOUS LEGALS
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF DODGE COUNTY
STATE OF GEORGIA
IN RE:
PETITION OF:
TORI JUSTINE MOORE BURCH
And ERWIN BURCH
Adoption No.
FOR THE ADOPTION OF:
K. A. year of birth 2009
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
To: JUSTIN FLOYD and KRISTEN SMITH
By order of the court for service by publication dated 10/2/2017, you are hereby notified that, PETITIONERS TORI JUSTINE MOORE BURCH and ERWIN BURCH filed PETITION FOR ADOPTION against you. You are required to file with the clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon plaintiff’s attorney, SARAH RIEDEL, 5607 Anson Ave, Eastman, GA 31023 an answer in writing within 30 days.
Witness, the Honorable C. MICHAEL JOHNSON, Judge of Superior Court of Dodge County.
This 6th day of October, 2017.
SARAH RIEDEL

1015
NAME CHANGE
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF DODGE COUNTY
STATE OF GEORGIA
In Re: ESDRAS JIMENEZ HERNANDEZ and HONORATA DIAZ
MINOR CHILD: EVAN JIMENEZ
Civil Action File No. 17V-8216
NOTICE OF PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
GEORGIA, DODGE COUNTY
Notice is hereby given that ESDRAS JIMENEZ HERNANDEZ and HONORATA DIAZ, the undersigned, filed his Petition to the Superior Court of DODGE County, Georgia on the 3rd day of October 2017, praying for a change in the name minor child from EVAN JIMENEZ to EVAN JIMENEZDIAZ.
Notice is hereby given pursuant to law to any interested or affected party to appear in said Court and to file objections to such name change. Objections must be filed with said Court within thirty (30) days of the filing of said Petition.
This 3rd day of OCTOBER, 2017.
ESDRAS JIMENEZ HERNANDEZ
Petitioner pro se
HONORATA DIAZ
Petitioner pro se
Petitioner

1018
PROBATE NOTICES
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IN THE PROBATE COURT
COUNTY OF DODGE
STATE OF GEORGIA
IN RE: ESTATE OF MYRTLE DUNN HOWELL, DECEASED
PETITION FOR LETTERS OF
ADMINISTRATION NOTICE
TO: WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
EMORY J. HOWELL has applied to be appointed Administrator of the Estate of MYRTLE DUNN HOWELL, deceased, of Dodge County. (Petitioner has also applied for waiver of bond and/or grant of certain powers contained in O.C.G.A. 53-12-261.) All interested parties are hereby notified to show cause why said petition should not be granted. All objections to the petition must be in writing, setting forth the grounds of any such objections, and must be filed with the Court on or before October 24, 2017.
All objections to the Petition must be in writing, setting forth the grounds of any such objections. All objections should be sworn to before a notary public or before a Probate Court Clerk, and filing fees must be tendered with your objections, unless you qualify to file as an indigent party. Contact Probate Court personnel for the required amount of filing fees. If any objections are filed a hearing will be scheduled at a later date. If no objections are filed, the petition may be granted without a hearing.
HON. AL MCCRANIE
Judge of the Probate Court
5401 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
478-374-3775

By Russ Ragan
Over the weekend, Dodge High Lady Indian Softball seniors Julianna Bellflower and Sara Lann were selected to the 2017 Georgia Dugout Club All-State team.
Both have had huge seasons, helping to lead the Lady Indians to the Elite 8 this weekend in Columbus.
Bellflower is hitting .500 out of the leadoff spot. She leads the team with a .611 on-base percentage.
She also leads the team in runs scored with 41 and 23 walks.
Lann also has a .500 batting average and she leads the team with 41 runs batted in and 14 doubles.
Her .659 slugging percentage is also tops on the team.
Coach Jennifer Bellflower’s commented on her two all-stars, “Julianna has been a leader both offensively and defensively this year! Sara has pounded on the ball this season. Super proud for both of these senior Lady Indians.”

By Russ Ragan
Despite making things a little interesting, the Dodge High Lady Indians Softball team has advanced to the Elite 8 in back-to-back years. They won the third and deciding game 13-0 on Thursday, after splitting a double-header against Vidalia on Wednesday winning 9-0 in game one, and then they lost by a tough 2-1 score in game two.
The Lady Indians, now 23-6 on the year, will now advance to Columbus for a Thursday date with top ranked Rockmart. The Lady Jackets are 31-2 on the year. If you recall, the Lady Indians drew top ranked Vidalia, who entered Columbus undefeated and were beat by Dodge 4-0. I expect the 3:00 p.m. Thursday matchup to be a great game.
Back to game one last Wednesday against Vidalia. The early points of the game were all about pitching and missed opportunities for both teams. Jade Dowdy got the start for the Lady Indians on the mound. She had six strikeouts through the first three innings.
Vidalia, also the Lady Indians, had three hits and a walk, but they left all four runners on base. Dodge also had their early chances. They left six in the first three innings, including the bases loaded in the third.
The Dodge offense got things going in the bottom of the fourth. Hailey Hickman and Amber Maxwell both reached on errors.
A sacrifice bunt by Jenna Hickman and a four-pitch walk to Julianna Bellflower would load the bases with one out.
Jade Dowdy would get Dodge on the board with a single that would score Hailey Hickman and Maxwell for a 2-0 lead.
A sacrifice fly from Aniyah Black would plate Bellflower, and a single by Abby Manning would score Sydney Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy, and the Dodge lead would be 4-0.
Jade Dowdy would get an easy fifth, and Dodge would get right back to work in the bottom of the inning.
Sara Lann would lead off with a single, and she would score, as Hailey Hickman’s single would be booted and the Dodge lead would be 5-0. Hailey Hickman would score on a wild pitch for a 6-0 game. Maxwell would walk and steal second. She would score on a single by Jenna Hickman for a 7-0 Dodge lead. With two out, Jade Dowdy would hit a deep blast to left that would be a walk-off homer and a 9-0 Dodge win. Jade Dowdy was four for four, with four runs batted in (RBIs) in game one.
Vidalia would be the home team in game two. Linzy Bowen would get the start on the mound for Dodge. She would strike out the side in the first.
Dodge would get the offense started in the top of the second. Manning would single to lead off the inning. She would score on a one-out single from Lann, and Dodge would have a 1-0 lead.
The game would stay 1-0 for quite a while, despite the Dodge Lady Indians having ten hits and three walks. Bowen, meanwhile, on the mound, pitched really well, as she allowed only two hits and two walks through six innings.
Unfortunately, the game would get away from Dodge, as Vidalia would tie things up in the seventh and win it in the eighth, and game three would be forced after a tough 2-1 Dodge loss.
Vidalia would win the postgame toss, so they would be the home team in game three.
Jade Dowdy would be the starting pitcher for Dodge. There would be no score after the first, as Jade Dowdy had an easy inning.
Dodge would take advantage of a couple of Vidalia errors. Jacey Dowdy would lead off with a double and she would be replaced by the speedy Europe Brown. Lann would reach on an error to put runners on the corners with nobody out.
Hailey Hickman would give Dodge the lead on a sacrifice fly for a 1-0 game. A two-out single from Bellflower would score Lann for a 2-0 game.
That brought Jade Dowdy to the plate and once again, she hit a bomb to deep left over the fence, and suddenly, Dodge was in control with a 5-0 lead.
After a quick bottom of the second from Jade Dowdy, Dodge would increase their lead in the third.
Manning would lead off the inning by reaching on an error.
That brought up Jacey Dowdy, and she hit a screaming line drive that banged into the left field fence on the fly, and runners would be at second and third.
A sacrifice fly by Lann would score Manning for a 6-0 lead.
Vidalia would lead off the bottom of the third with a single.
It would be short lived, as Dodge would turn a beautiful double play from Black and Bellflower. Vidalia then tried out third baseman, Manning in the fourth and fifth innings. They would have no luck, as she handled all four chances without a problem and we go to the sixth with a 6-0 Dodge lead.
Dodge would hit for a while in the top of the sixth. Jenna Hickman walked to lead off, and she went to second on a single by Bellflower. A single from Jade Dowdy would score Jenna Hickman for 7-0 game.
It would be the second four-RBI game in the series for her. Aniyah Black would single home Bellflower, and the lead would reach 8-0.
Manning would reach on an error, and that would score Powell, who was running for Jade Dowdy.
Lann would follow-up with a hit that would score Black and Manning for a 10-0 Dodge lead.
Dodge would finish things off with RBI hits from Jenna Hickman and Bellflower that would give Dodge a 13-0 lead.
The hit would be the fourth of the day for Bellflower.
Jade Dowdy would close out the game in style, as she struck out the side for the 13-0 final. She pitched a great game, allowing only three hits and striking out six.
So, it is off to Columbus, and it promises to be quite a ride.
The Lady Indians are scheduled to meet Rockmart Thursday, October 26, 2017.
After the game, head coach Jennifer Bellflower commented, “Back-to-back region championships and trips to the Elite 8 isn’t enough for this Lady Indian team. We are out for hardware.
The team has realized that at every game, they must make a statement! We’ve had to prove to everyone that we are deserving and that we are willing to do whatever it takes to be on top!”

By David Bush
Homecoming 2017 is in the books. Congratulations to Gabby Hall, Dodge County High School 2017 homecoming queen and all the wonderful young ladies on this year’s homecoming court.
Our Dodge County Indians were looking to go 8-0 on the season and 5-0 in region play against the Falcons of East Laurens High School. The Falcons were winless coming into this game and facing an undefeated Dodge County team who were heavily favored to win this game. Games like this one make me nervous, because sometimes, the stronger team doesn’t take the lesser team seriously, and bad things happen, i.e. Clemson vs. Syracuse or LSU vs. Troy just this year in college football.
All week long, the Dodge coaching staff harped on focus. Focus on East Laurens and that game only.
To start the game, Dodge County won the toss and elected to defer to the second half. Dodge County kicker Peyton Bush kicked off to the East Laurens 12-yard line, where the Falcons returned the ball 11 yards to their own 23.
On the first play from scrimmage, the East Laurens quarterback dropped back to pass, and fired the ball across the middle where linebacker Tyler Ruffin was waiting. Ruffin intercepted the ball and returned it to the original line of scrimmage. From there, the Indians were in business, first and ten at the Falcon 23-yard line. Four plays later, quarterback Nick Cummings strolled into the end zone for the first Dodge County touchdown. Bush came in to kick the extra point and with ten minutes, 30 seconds left in the first quarter, Dodge led 7-0.
The Falcons then returned the Bush kickoff to their own 30-yard line. East Laurens managed to get one first down on this drive, before the Dodge County defense began to manhandle the Falcon offense and force a punting situation. On fourth and 20, the Falcons punted to the Indians’ 43-yard line where the Dodge County offense would take over.
The Dodge offense could only scrounge up five yards on the series and would have to punt the ball right back. Bush came in to punt and boomed the ball down inside the 10-yard line, but the ball managed to roll into the end zone before anyone could down it.
The Falcons got the ball out at their own 20, but the Indian defense would prove to be too much, and after three plays, were punting back to Dodge.
The Indians took over at their own 33-yard line. Junior running back R.J. Carr carried the ball on five consecutive plays and the Indians were inside the ten. On second and six, Nick Cummings faked the handoff to Carr and ran it in for the second score of the night. Bush tacked on the extra point and Dodge was up 14-0 with two minutes, 20 seconds left in the first quarter.
After another Bush kickoff, the Falcon offense tried again to get past the tough Dodge County defense. The result was the same. After three plays and moving backwards, it was time for the Falcons to punt again.
Erin Pitts received the punt at the Dodge County 47-yard line. Dodge wasted little time getting down the field. In five plays, including a 38-yard pass completion to Erin Pitts, the Indians were back in the end zone. This time, Carr carried the ball in from three yards out. The point after by Bush was true and the Indians were rolling 21-0 with still 11 minutes, 20 seconds to go in the second quarter.
The next Bush kickoff went into the end zone for a touchback, and the Falcons would have to start from their own 20-yard line. The suffocating defense of Dodge continued to frustrate the East Laurens offense. The Falcons lost four yards on three plays and again punted to Dodge. The punt was short and went out of bounds at the East Laurens 42-yard line.
On the first play, Nick Cummings hit Erin Pitts in stride, going down the middle of the field, for a 42-yard touchdown pass. Bush added the point after, and the lead was now 28-0 with eight minutes, 53 seconds to go in the second quarter. Again, Bush’s kickoff found its way into the end zone for a touchback and again the Falcons would have to start deep in their own territory.
The Indian defense picked up right where they left off and forced another punt. This time the East Laurens punter got his foot into the ball and drove our return man back, and a fumble resulted.
East Laurens pounced on the loose ball down at the Dodge County 33-yard line. East Laurens, finally down in Dodge County territory, still could not break through that solid Indian defense. The Falcons turned the ball over on downs at the Dodge County 27-yard line. Thanks to the offensive line, blowing open holes wide enough for a tank to drive through, and some strong running from Nick Cummings, Carr, and Pitts, the Indians would score again in just four plays. Carr burst through the line and outran everyone to the end zone from 27 yards out. Bush connected on the extra point and the Indians were now up 35-0 with three minutes, ten seconds to go in the second quarter.
After another touchback on the ensuing kickoff by Bush, the Falcons found themselves back in familiar territory, their own 20. The defense forced another three and out punt situation, and Pitts had a nice return. Pitts brought the ball all the way back to the Falcon 26-yard line. Freshman Daylon Gordon ran the ball down to the 11-yard line, where it was first and ten with just 20.9 seconds left in the half.
Bush was called in to attempt a 28-yard field goal. Bush booted the ball through the uprights and the Indians led 38-0.
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Deceased: October 16, 2017
Arrangements: Mathis Funeral Home

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Arrangements: Tomlinson Funeral Home of Swainsboro

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Arrangements: Hardy-Towns Funeral Home of Eastman

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Arrangements: Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman